Azkals new Fil-foreign recruits to play in Panaad friendly games

Neil Etheridge will not be around to renew his acquaintance with the Negrenses when the Azkals arrive tomorrow, but the Philippine Men’s Football Team will introduce to the public Filipino-German Roland Mueller, a second choice keeper in Germany’s football club MSV Duisburg.

With Mueller is Fil-Spanish defender Carlie Olai-Var De Murga, who will also suit for the Azkals as they play against PFF Suzuki Cup Under 23 national champions Ceres – Negros Team at the Panaad pitch on September 13 at 5:30 p.m.

The Azkals are also scheduled to play against the Korean-reinforced Central Philippine University squad from Iloilo City on Friday, and against a team from Manila on September 11.

The friendly games will help the national team prepare for the Long Four-Nation Long Teng Cup set in Taiwan on September 30 to October 4.

The 23-year-old Mueller is touted to be the perfect stand in keeper for Etheridge, while De Murga, 22, will bring in the skills that earned him a spot in the Racing Club Portuense that is competing in the Spanish 3rd division.

But while the Azkals are expected to be coming out strong in the friendly matches, the local teams will be giving them a good fight, Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon said.

To allow Negrenses the chance to see the Azkals play at the Panaad once again, the governor instructed the Provincial Sports Office to waive all charges for the spectators during the games.

Choice seats, however, will be reserved for officials and sponsors, Marañon said.

Meanwhile, Homeless World Cup Philippine Team skipper Negrense Janrick Soriano will be joining the Ceres - Negros Team when they play against the Azkals on September 13.

Aside from Soriano, Ceres-Negros Team head coach Norman Fegidero said the team will have Lemuel Unabia and Jake Morallo in the lineup.

As for the September 8- 15 Azkals camp, PFF U23 Team Coordinator Jojie Ronda said the tryout will be exclusive those who wish to join the men’s team and the national U23 team squad.

The PFF has issued invitations to Ceres-Negros Team’s Joshua Beloya, Aldrin Dolino and Jovin Bedic to join the tryouts, Ronda said.*NAB

Source : Visayan Daily Star